Newsela Writing Boosts Middle School Reading and Writing Outcomes

December 12, 2025

Efficacy study preview

See how cross-curricular writing practice links to stronger literacy outcomes

In this efficacy study, Newsela examines how middle school students’ use of Newsela Writing is associated with higher end-of-year ELA, writing, and reading outcomes.

Key Findings

What the study found

Review the headline findings while keeping the full study design and analysis in the downloadable report.

18 point boost

Higher overall ELA scores

The study estimates the average student would see an 18-point boost to their overall ELA score based on Newsela Writing assignment completion.

5–6 assignments

Writing subscore growth

For every 5 to 6 assignments completed, the writing subscore is expected to rise by 10% of the sample’s original average.

8–9 assignments

Reading comprehension link

The report states students would need 8 to 9 assignments to see the same 10% improvement in reading comprehension.

Tier III ESSA

Promising evidence standard

The report states the study meets ESSA Tier III standards for Promising evidence after controlling for selection-bias variables.

Authored By

Kayleigh Ryherd, Ph.D.
Lead Research Analyst

Louisa Carroll
Senior Content Marketing Manager

All Resources Efficacy Study & Validity Reports

Newsela Writing Boosts Middle School Reading and Writing Outcomes

Efficacy study preview

See how cross-curricular writing practice links to stronger literacy outcomes

In this efficacy study, Newsela examines how middle school students’ use of Newsela Writing is associated with higher end-of-year ELA, writing, and reading outcomes.

Key Findings

What the study found

Review the headline findings while keeping the full study design and analysis in the downloadable report.

18 point boost

Higher overall ELA scores

The study estimates the average student would see an 18-point boost to their overall ELA score based on Newsela Writing assignment completion.

5–6 assignments

Writing subscore growth

For every 5 to 6 assignments completed, the writing subscore is expected to rise by 10% of the sample’s original average.

8–9 assignments

Reading comprehension link

The report states students would need 8 to 9 assignments to see the same 10% improvement in reading comprehension.

Tier III ESSA

Promising evidence standard

The report states the study meets ESSA Tier III standards for Promising evidence after controlling for selection-bias variables.

Authored By

Kayleigh Ryherd, Ph.D.
Lead Research Analyst

Louisa Carroll
Senior Content Marketing Manager

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Newsela Writing boosts student writing and earns teacher support: A summary of pilot research findings

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Newsela Writing Boosts Middle School Reading and Writing Outcomes

See how cross-curricular writing practice links to stronger literacy outcomes

What the study found

Higher overall ELA scores

Writing subscore growth

Reading comprehension link

Promising evidence standard

Newsela Writing Boosts Middle School Reading and Writing Outcomes

See how cross-curricular writing practice links to stronger literacy outcomes

What the study found

Higher overall ELA scores

Writing subscore growth

Reading comprehension link

Promising evidence standard

Receive content

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Download this resource

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Additional content

Writing’s Role in Literacy: A Conversation With Joan Sedita

Nurture Confident Writers with Newsela Writing

Make Writing Practice a District Priority

Newsela Writing boosts student writing and earns teacher support: A summary of pilot research findings

Newsela Writing Get Started Checklist

Newsela Teacher Get Started Checklist

Newsela School Administrator Get Started Checklist

Newsela District Administrator Get Started Checklist

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